First pitch: Ceremonial throw for I-500 winner at April 5 Detroit Tigers game

The winner of the 2014 I-500 snowmobile race will have the distinct honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park on April 5. The event will join two of Michigan’s most storied attractions — the Tigers and the I-500, one of snowmobiling’s most prestigious and longest running races as well as it’s most grueling enduro race.

“The opportunity for the winner of the 2014 Soo I-500 race to throw out the first pitch at a Tigers game is definitely an honor,” said Ric Federau, Chairman of the I-500. “In addition to Soo I-500 fans, Michigan’s UP is full of Tigers fans and we are sure they are going to love this.”

The I-500 is a 500-mile snowmobile enduro race that is modeled after auto racing’s Indy 500.

The 46th annual I-500 is set to take place Saturday, February 1.

Racers begin qualifying January 28 with subsequent events planned for each day and night leading up to Saturday’s race.

The 2014 event will mark the first time a race winner has ever had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

The International 500 Snowmobile Race is the world’s longest endurance snowmobile race. The volunteer-run event has been held every year on the first Saturday in February since 1969.